How Many Syllables In Only?
2syllables
Only has 2 syllables, on-ly. It is a disyllabic word.
only
/ˈəʊn.li/ UK /ˈoʊn.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, on.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV
Division By Sound
/əʊn.li/
Division By Letters
on-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Only
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | əʊ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Only Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in only?
Only has 2 syllables, on-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈəʊn.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in only?
The first syllable, on, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of only?
Only has the structure VC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide only into syllables?
By sound, əʊn.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, on-ly.